Safeguarding Policy
Organisation: JUST PENNY CIC
Company Number: 16627025
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Azhar Kayani, Director
Contact: justpennyuk@gmail.com
Adopted: 8 September 2026
Review Date: September 2027
1. Purpose
JUST PENNY CIC is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for everyone who comes into contact with our organisation.
We recognise our responsibility to safeguard children, young people and adults at risk from abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of harm.
This policy applies to directors, staff, volunteers, contractors and anyone acting on behalf of JUST PENNY CIC.
2. Our Activities
JUST PENNY CIC undertakes community-focused activities which may include food and cost-of-living support, social inclusion and wellbeing activities, youth development, community events, educational and health-awareness activities and other programmes supporting people in need.
Our activities may bring us into contact with children, families, older people, people experiencing isolation or hardship, and adults who may be at risk.
3. Our Safeguarding Commitment
JUST PENNY CIC will:
treat the welfare and safety of participants as a priority;
treat everyone with dignity, respect and fairness;
take safeguarding concerns seriously and respond promptly;
maintain appropriate boundaries between workers, volunteers and beneficiaries;
take reasonable steps to prevent abuse, neglect, exploitation, bullying, harassment and discrimination;
obtain appropriate DBS checks where a particular role or activity legally requires or justifies them;
provide appropriate safeguarding information, guidance or training to people undertaking relevant roles;
work with statutory authorities and other safeguarding agencies when necessary; and
review safeguarding arrangements as our activities develop.
4. Children and Young People
For the purposes of this policy, a child is anyone under the age of 18.
Where JUST PENNY CIC provides activities involving children or young people, appropriate safeguards will be put in place according to the nature of the activity.
Staff and volunteers must never use their position of trust to exploit, intimidate, harm or develop an inappropriate relationship with a child or young person.
Any concern about the safety or welfare of a child must be reported promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
5. Adults at Risk
An adult may be at risk where, because of care and support needs or their circumstances, they are experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect and may be unable to protect themselves from that risk.
JUST PENNY CIC recognises that abuse may include physical, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial or material abuse, neglect, discriminatory abuse, domestic abuse, organisational abuse, modern slavery and self-neglect.
Concerns about an adult’s safety will be treated seriously while, where appropriate, taking account of the person’s wishes, wellbeing and right to make decisions about their own life.
6. Responding to a Concern or Disclosure
Anyone working or volunteering with JUST PENNY CIC who becomes aware of a safeguarding concern should:
Ensure the person’s immediate safety.
Listen calmly and take the concern seriously.
Do not promise absolute confidentiality.
Do not conduct their own investigation or unnecessarily question the person.
Make an accurate factual record of what was seen, heard or disclosed.
Report the concern as soon as possible to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Where someone is in immediate danger or a serious crime may be taking place, the emergency services should be contacted on 999.
Safeguarding concerns may also be referred to Manchester City Council through its appropriate children’s or adult safeguarding services.
7. Designated Safeguarding Lead
The Designated Safeguarding Lead for JUST PENNY CIC is:
Azhar Kayani
Director
Email: justpennyuk@gmail.com
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for receiving safeguarding concerns, maintaining appropriate confidential records, seeking advice where necessary and making referrals to statutory agencies where appropriate.
If a concern relates to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, it should be reported to another director of JUST PENNY CIC or directly to the appropriate statutory authority.
8. Recruitment, Volunteers and DBS Checks
JUST PENNY CIC will take proportionate steps to ensure that people placed in positions of responsibility are suitable for their roles.
Where a role is eligible for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, the appropriate level of check will be considered according to the duties involved.
A DBS check will not be requested merely because someone volunteers with JUST PENNY CIC; eligibility and the appropriate level will be determined according to the role and applicable requirements.
9. Confidentiality and Information Sharing
Safeguarding information will be handled carefully and shared only with people or organisations who need the information for safeguarding, legal or regulatory purposes.
Personal information will be managed in accordance with JUST PENNY CIC’s Privacy Policy and applicable data-protection requirements.
Protecting someone’s privacy does not prevent JUST PENNY CIC from sharing relevant information where this is necessary to protect a child or adult from serious harm or where disclosure is otherwise required by law.
10. Photography, Social Media and Online Activities
JUST PENNY CIC will take reasonable precautions when photographs, video, social media or online communications involve participants.
Where appropriate, permission will be obtained before identifiable photographs or recordings are publicly used, particularly where children or adults at risk are involved.
Staff and volunteers must not use online communication to establish inappropriate personal relationships with beneficiaries.
11. Partner Organisations and Venues
Where JUST PENNY CIC works with another organisation, professional, contractor or venue, safeguarding responsibilities will be considered as part of planning the activity.
Where appropriate, JUST PENNY CIC will seek assurance that organisations delivering activities on its behalf have suitable safeguarding arrangements.
12. Recording and Reporting
Safeguarding concerns and actions taken will be recorded accurately and stored securely with access restricted to those who need it.
JUST PENNY CIC will cooperate with the police, local authority safeguarding services and other appropriate statutory agencies when required.
13. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed at least annually and earlier if:
JUST PENNY CIC’s activities materially change;
safeguarding legislation or guidance changes;
a safeguarding incident identifies improvements that should be made; or
the directors otherwise consider a review necessary.
Approved on behalf of JUST PENNY CIC
Azhar Kayani
Director / Designated Safeguarding Lead
Date: 8 September 2026